Emma Marie Kruppa

Emma Marie (Sturm) Kruppa went home to be with the Lord, Her Heavenly Father, on Saturday morning, April 7th 2018. Visitation will be at 3:00PM-5:30PM April 9, 2018. Rosary will be at 7:00PM April 9, 2018. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM April 10, 2018 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Burial will follow in Rowena Catholic Cemetery. She was born on December 26, 1919 to Josephine and Paul Sturm. She was the 5th child of 18 children and grew up in the Kristoff Community near Rowena. Mom loved to go to school and learn. She began sewing at the age of 14 making dresses for her sisters and her family which led to her career. She married Edward Emil Kruppa on November 7, 1939. She was a farmer's wife and after her husband's death in 1984 was called to serve the Lord at the age 65. Emma began her ministry and service in Rowena by teaching catechism to 2nd and 4th graders. She served communion and did the readings in church. She gave communion to the home bound in the Rowena area. In 1992, age 72; she was called to move to San Angelo and serve at Sacred Heart Cathedral and the surrounding community. She studied the Bible and received many certificates and certifications regarding her Catholic faith. She read and served at Mass and said the rosary before Mass and funerals. She performed church services at Baptist Memorial Hospital and Rio Concho Terrace weekly. She gave communion at both San Angelo hospitals, Baptist Memorial Hospital, the homebound, all the San Angelo nursing homes, and prayed over the all sick. In 2012, age 92; she was presented the Papal Award of Knights and Dames of the Order of Pope St. Silvestre Award by Bishop Pfeifer from the Pope. This is the highest honor a layperson can receive for her many years of dedicated service to the Diocese of San Angelo. Emma loved GOD, her family, and her church family. She served the Lord almost 30 years and has had many blessings. She was patient, kind, loving and always had a smile on her face. She is preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Paul Sturm; her husband, Edward; sons, Edward JR. and Ralph; daughter, Dolores. Sisters :Josephine Schwertner, Elizabeth Sturm, Tillie Piel, Louise Schwertner, Mary Angelina Sturm, Helen Matthiesen, and Florine Kellermeier. Brothers: Fred, Richard, Henry and Louis Sturm. She is survived by daughters; Shirley Deitcher of San Angelo, Emma Allen of Lexington Kentucky, Diana Salinas and her husband Johnny of Graham, Faye Wrobel and her husband Randy of San Angelo and son, David Kruppa of San Angelo. Grandchildren: Sue and Gerome Scott, Todd and Andie Henderson, Scott and Stacey Allen, Renee and Rodney Smith, Melissa and Jimmy Carter, Michelle and Ronnie Quillan, Ralph and Melanie Kruppa Jr., Austin Terry, Keylee and Cody Rumsey. 23 Great Grand Children and 8 Great-Great Grandchildren, Sisters Frieda Janca, Dorine Matthiesen, Lorene, Cmerek, Rosa Schwertner, Julia Rohmfeld, Jerline (Patsy) Rohmfeld. Many, many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers please donate to Sacred Heart Cathedral: Special Education fund or the Youth Group Program. The family would like thank the Brookdale Dementia staff especially; Sabrina and Jocelyn for the wonderful care they provided to our mother. Special thanks to Kindred Hospice nurses Angela, Peggy and Steve. Also thank Candy Cannelli and mom's church family who visited her during this difficult week. Very special thanks to a faithful couple, John and Cindy Lewis, who provided mom's transportation and care to church. Family and friends are invited to sign the online registry at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com